YOU could forgive David Prutton for revelling in Leeds United's recent demise - he's bigger than that though.The Yorkshire club were so convinced that the midfielder no longer had anything to bring to the proverbial party last month that they tore up his contract and allowed him to join League One rivals Colchester on a free transfer.

Stuart Watson

YOU could forgive David Prutton for revelling in Leeds United's recent demise - he's bigger than that though.

The Yorkshire club were so convinced that the midfielder no longer had anything to bring to the proverbial party last month that they tore up his contract and allowed him to join League One rivals Colchester on a free transfer.

At that moment in time second-place Leeds were 11 points clear of the U's in the promotion race. Now, less than three weeks later, Prutton and the U's could find themselves leapfrogging Simon Grayson's side into the automatic promotion places.

In-form Colchester host Brentford tonight looking to make it five wins from six, while free-falling Leeds will be aiming to record their first league win in five attempts when they welcome Oldham. Just a solitary point currently separates the two.

But despite the unceremonious nature of his departure from Elland Road, Prutton refuses to hold a grudge.

As he's walked off the pitch in recent weeks, news of the latest failure of his former employers has been quickly relayed to Prutton. He has always reacted with a dignified raise of the eyebrow rather than a malicious grin though.

“It came to the point where I was travelling and not playing and it became hugely frustrating,” admits the 28-year-old, who spent his entire career playing in the Premier League and Championship before dropping down a level to sign for the fallen Yorkshire giants.

“We (Simon Grayson) had a couple of chats here and there, but he told me he wasn't actively trying to get me out.

“Then another game came along when I hadn't made the squad again and I was sitting somewhere in the stadium sulking over a cup of tea. The door opened and the manager (Aidy Boothroyd) walked in.

“We got talking and he expressed an interest in me. It was exciting because he's someone I've always wanted to play for, but I didn't know if anything would happen. So when he then acted upon the interest I was delighted.

“It was a huge disappointment to leave Leeds, but the last thing I want to come across as is bitter and twisted about not getting a chance.

“The sensible side of me understands that perhaps my face just didn't fit in there any more. I don't want to seem like I hold a grudge, because I don't.”

- For the latest news on whether Colchester United's game against Brentford will go ahead tonight, keep checking www.greenun24.co.uk.